, in fact, take on their pet pork barrel projects, even though the pentagon has said we don't want those programs. we don't want those airplanes. congress, instead, votes -- goes ahead and votes for it because it means money and votes back home for many members of congress. so i think that ultimately will be the biggest challenge for secretary of defense chuck hagel if, in fact, he is confirmed, tamron. >> you took issue with what first read pointed out, which is the politics which is what i was starting out the conversation with you regarding, the politics of this, when you have general mcchrystal and we'll play him later today on the "today" show this morning talking about a disconnect between the generals and those leaders of the military and the white house particularly in afghanistan. so it's not asking you to delve in to the politics but face it, it is political. >> reporter: well, you know, the trust between the u.s. military leadership and the civilian leadership is always a very delicate balance. you don't find -- and i guess if you want to strictly define the word politics, the